The African Union emerged in 2002, and presents itself to the world as Africa’s peace actor. Its expressions contain Pan-African ideals, and the conviction that peace and security are main...Show moreThe African Union emerged in 2002, and presents itself to the world as Africa’s peace actor. Its expressions contain Pan-African ideals, and the conviction that peace and security are main prerequisites for a prosperous future. Most AU-studies regard the question if AU’s peacekeeping efforts in interventions are successful, or investigate how states harm the continental endeavour. They conclude that the PSC lacks structural and incidental capacity and political willingness of states. This approach and outcome fits to the dominant realist approach, assuming that the African Union consists of power-seeking states, looking after their interests. This thesis contributes to this debate by utilizing another, constructivist approach. Role theory advances the understanding of this peace actor. The performance of the AU in peace policy, and the position of member states is investigated in the context of role-conception, role-contestation and role-expectations. In this thesis the AU’s role-conception, and how it develops, is central. The definition of this role was not given yet in the CA, although some ingredients where in there. The contestation by states and AU-institutions shaped the self-conception of the AU, and stimulated the policy of prevention. The expectations of others, in particular international financial partners, have had significant influence on the AU. The UN requires IOs to take responsibility in building peace in their region, and pays for AU-led missions. The political and social contexts cause, by a process of socialization, a dynamic and continuously developing self-conception of the AU. The current self-conception of the AU is being a comprehensive power. It deploys troops in African conflict areas as a military power. However, it performed also as a civil power by promoting and supporting CSOs; and even as normative power, by emphasizing the responsibilities for states to secure their people (policy of indifference).Show less
A research into the failure of the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process. Both local actors as well as Russia will be researched in order to understand in what way these actors have obstructed a peaceful...Show moreA research into the failure of the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process. Both local actors as well as Russia will be researched in order to understand in what way these actors have obstructed a peaceful solution to the peace process in Nagorno-Karabakh. The period that is researched is from approximately 1988 to 2016. The final conclusion of this master thesis is that non of the actors involved are genuinely interested in finding a peaceful solution. All the actors involved have obstructed a peaceful solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process over the years.Show less
There are few inventions whose impact on political, economic and social life is comparable to that of the Internet, as an increasing number of functions are conducted online. As the report...Show moreThere are few inventions whose impact on political, economic and social life is comparable to that of the Internet, as an increasing number of functions are conducted online. As the report Cybersecurity Policy Making at a Turning Point highlights: “Cybersecurity strategies recognize that the economy, society and governments now rely on the Internet for many essential functions and that cyber-threats have been increasing and evolving at a fast pace” (OECD,9). Increased reliance on the Internet presents significant security challenges, as the more services that are conducted online, the greater the risks associated with cyber-attacks. This risk is intensified by cyberspace’s disregard for national borders allows cyber-threats to move rapidly across the globe and in that manner cause harm to civilians and governments (Green and Rossini, 4). Therefore, this thesis aims to develop a deeper understanding of cyberspace’s effects on global affairs, especially in regards to situations of interstate tension or conflict. Central to this study, is the question of how inter-state tensions and conflicts are being shaped by developments in cyberspace.Show less
